Province of Grosseto
Holiday in Tuscany villas, far from the madding crowd
Province of Grosseto
One of the most extensive provinces in Tuscany is Grosseto, but in spite of this the Tuscan apartments for rent in this area are just a small selection of the great amount of accommodations you can find in the whole region. The holiday homes in Maremma, the area covered by the province of Grosseto, are located in medieval villages or in recently renovated farmhouses, but usually far from the madding crowd as the area is not highly populated. Also the coastal area, once marshland and now well known for its beautiful beaches, is characterized by small quaint villages, among which one of the oldest is Castiglione della Pescaia.Grosseto, the main town, lies in the south west, in the area known as the Alta Maremma (Upper Maremma). It is first mentioned in the 9th century as the fief of a noble family, the Aldobrandeschi. It grew in importance over the years with the decline of the Etruscan town of Rusellæ (for accommodations in Maremma, near Roselle, see our ref 83-84) , whose ruins can still be admired at about five miles from the town. Under the sway of the Medici Family the construction of a line of defensive walls, still extant today, was begun in 1574 by Francesco I, replacing older ones dating back to the 12th century. Francesco meant to turn Grosseto into a fortress in order to protect his southern borders. The walls, designed by Baldassarre Lanci, were completed 19 years later, under Grand Duke Ferdinand I. The walls are now used as a public park and walking area.
The Medici also played a basic role in the reclamation of what used to be an unhealthy marshland, which was to be finally completed in the post-war years. A traditional Tuscan song mentions “Maremma amara” (bitter Maremma) as it was plagued by marsh fever. It is even mentioned by Dante in his Divine Comedy, in the 13th Canto of the Inferno, where he writes:(the wild beasts, that hate the cultivated fields between Cecina and Corneto, have lairs less harsh and tangled). Today the area has totally changed owing to the reclamation and protection of the natural environment. Mountains, rivers, pastures, beaches and marshes, stretching out along nearly 10,000 hectares on the coast between Principina and Talamone, make up of the Natural Park of Maremma, otherwise known as Parco dell'Uccellina after the name of the mounts dominating the site. The park stretches inland from the banks of the mouth of the river Ombrone. It seems impossible that this land should be the “bitter Maremma” of the old folk songs, evoking a world of toil and sufferings in a harsh, swampy background overrun by highwaymen and marsh fever. “L’uccello che ci va perde le penne” (the bird who flies there is going to die) the seasonal farm labourers used to sing while harvesting. Now birds do migrate there and one can observe various protected species such as herons, coots, hoopoes, kingfishers. Moreover one can easily come across wild boars, deer, roes, badgers, foxes or wild horses and long-horned Maremmana cattle grazing freely. They live quite undisturbed among myrtle bushes and Saracen guard towers.
This is a unique place which has conserved its beauty unspoilt and prompts tours to lovers of open-air life. This wildest corner of Tuscany can be discovered on horseback, on mountain-bike or simply driving along the roads linking quaint villages up. Worth a visit are: Saturnia, whose sulphurous waters were already known to the Romans; Manciano, characterized by a beautiful fortress built by the Sienese people in the 15th century; Pitigliano, an Etruscan and Roman village built on a tuff spur; Sovana and its Etruscan necropolis (for our apartments for rent in Maremma, pls visit our web site section) .
Here one can breathe the Etrurian past, smell the tuff, taste the great wines, experience the excellent restaurants and charming hotels.
Scarlino Scalo - RIF. S188
These holiday apartments on the Etruscan Coast in Tuscany, are located between Follonica and Punta Ala, only a few kilometres from the medieval hamlet of Scarlino. There are 27 self catering apartments for rent, each very comfortable and fully equipped with air conditioners. Guests have access to the swimming pools (one for children), open from middle of May to October 15th, provided with deckchairs and beach umbrellas.
At only 500 metres from sandy beaches, and 300 mt from the new harbour of Scarlino Marina, these Tuscan holiday accommodations are a perfect location for the sea lover but also the ideal starting point for visiting the beautiful hamlets of Maremma such as the tuff town of Pitigliano, the Etruscan Sovana, Baratti and Populonia. Natural attractions, instead, are the Uccellina Park, which covers the coastal area, the promontory of Monte Argentario, and other renowned and enchanting beaches such as Cala Violina, Cala Martina and the ancient seaside town of Castiglione della Pescaia. Near the holiday residence sport lovers can also find tennis courts, golf courses, horseback riding schools, windsurf and kitesurfing rental points.
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Istia d'Ombrone - RIF. S84
These holiday accommodations in Maremma are in a farmhouse which dates back to 1769 and maintains the typical old style thanks to a restoration which has respected the original architecture. Surrounded by its 22 hectares of olive groves, the Bed and Breakfast is located on a “Poggio”, Tuscan for knoll, which dominates the valley of the Ombrone river. A typical Tuscan road lined by cypresses leads to the main villa and to the large garden. The holiday accommodations are in and around the main villa. The farm produces an excellent olive oil, which one can taste at any time, as well as honey, jams, fruit and vegetables all available to guests on request.
The B&B and apartments for rent in Tuscany are located at about 10 km from Maremma’s main town, Grosseto, and at about 20 km from the uncontaminated seaside of Maremma. The ancient village of Castiglion della Pescaia, now a renowned holiday resort, with its medieval fortress is at only 30 km. Also worth a visit are Scansano, famous for its Morellino wine, at just 18 km. Siena is at 70 km and Montalcino at 50 km, as well as the spa town of Saturnia. For nature lovers, the property has its own park but is also at just 20 km from the beautiful Natural Park of Uccellina. As for history enthusiasts, Maremma is rich in Etruscan ruins. The nearest are at Roselle, a village at about 10 km from the farmhouse. Whereas the ruins of an ancient castle can be found at 4 km at Istia d’Ombrone, as well as shops and a restaur
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Saturnia - RIF. S88
These accommodations in Tuscany are located in the heart of Maremma, near Saturnia, surrounded by hills of olive groves and vineyards. Renovated, following the classical Tuscan architectural style, with environmentally-friendly materials, the country house and its outhouse have 6 large rooms of varying shape and sizes. Guests have access to shared rooms for reading and relax as well as a panoramic room suitable for meetings and workshops. Surrounded by a beautiful garden with lawns, roses and cypresses the Bed and Breakfast overlooks the unspoilt Tuscan hills; ideal for a relaxing holiday.
These Maremma accommodations are near the thermal baths of Saturnia (at 13 km) and the medieval villages of Manciano and Montemerano, as well as Pitigliano and Sorano, other two pearls of the area. Also a few minutes away from Capalbio, Sovana and the beaches of Mount Argentario.
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Boccheggiano - RIF. S96
These accommodations in Tuscany are located in the area known as “Alta Maremma”, the northern part, a vast region of wild nature dotted with medieval villages. At roughly a km from the small village of Boccheggiano, sitting on top of a hill with a splendid view, this typical Tuscan holiday farmhouse consists of a small group of comfortable cottages surrounded by an old oak grove. The Bed and Breakfast rooms are in one of these cottages. Each holiday accommodation has been recently rebuilt following the rural Tuscan style of wooden beams, open fireplace and terracotta flooring. There is also a swimming pool available for guests and the surrounding garden is ideal for outdoor activities, for reading a book in the shade of a tree and for children’s fun and games.
The hilly landscape surrounding this accommodation in Maremma (at 500 m above sea level) is ideal for hiking, mountain bike tours and horse riding. The short distance to the coast (Follonica about 38 km, Castiglion della Pescaia, Punta Ala) brings the most attractive Tuscan beaches within easy reach. The privileged position makes it easy to reach the art centres of Tuscany such as Siena, Pisa, Massa Marittima (18 km), Volterra and San Gimignano, or to visit the famous ruins of San Galgano's Cistercian abbey.
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Saturnia - RIF. S133
This modern and comfortable holiday accommodation in Tuscany is located in the medieval hamlet of Montemerano, at just 4 km from the famous spa town of Saturnia, in the southeast of the region. Surrounded by olive groves and the typical Maremma countryside, this holiday hotel for rent consists of only 6 bedrooms plus a suite, ideal for a relaxing and comfortable vacation far from the madding crowd. The rooms are very large and tastefully furnished and decorated with lovely frescoes. They are all provided with internet connection, safe and air conditioning. The rooms are either on the ground floor facing the garden with private terrace or on the first floor with balcony, where one can enjoy the beautiful sunset on Maremma. Nearby there is a very good restaurant where to enjoy the excellent Tuscan cooking.
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Istia d'Ombrone - RIF. S83
This beautiful holiday home in Maremma is located on a hill, from which the name “Poggio”, and dominates the valley of the Ombrone River at 10 km from Grosseto and nearly 20 km from the untainted seaside, typical of this area. The estate still preserves the typical characteristics of an 18th century Maremma farm: a suggestive cypress lined drive leads to the main villa and a large garden. Gathered around are the farmhouses and outbuildings as well as 22 hectares of olive groves. The holiday accommodations are located in and around the main villa and have been completely renovated in respect of the original architecture. The farm estate produces an excellent olive oil, which one may taste, as well as honey, jam, fruit and vegetables, available to guests. Pets accepted.
The surroundings of these rental apartments in Tuscany offer a large variety of sites to visit. Nearest are the ancient ruins of a castle at Istia d’Ombrone at 4 km, where guests can also find shops and a restaurant. At 10 km is the village of Roselle where one can find Etruscan ruins of which Maremma is so rich. The village of Scansano, famous for its wonderful ‘Morellino’ wine, is at only 18 km. Nature lovers can visit the Natural Park of Maremma, Parco dell’Uccellina, at just 20 km. The ancient seaside town of Castiglione della Pescaia, with its medieval fortress, is at about 30km from the sea. Reachable in 50/70km are also Siena and Montalcino, as well as the Tuscan spa town of Saturnia.
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Boccheggiano - RIF. S95
This holiday home in Tuscany is located just outside the small village of Boccheggiano in Upper Maremma on top of a hill with a breathtaking view. The farmhouse consists of a tiny group of comfortable cottages hidden by old oak trees that offer shade for reading, in a special position located, not far from the famous ruins of San Galgano’s Abbey.
Recently restored, these self-catering accommodations preserve the typical Tuscan style with their wooden beam ceilings, open fireplaces and terracotta tile flooring. With its fenced park of about 3 hectares, children will here find an ideal environment for their games and fun. The farmhouse also has a sunny swimming pool.
This part of Maremma is surrounded by a wild nature dotted with beautiful medieval villages. At 500 m above sea level, the hilly landscape is ideal for mountain bike tours, horse riding and hiking. These rental apartments in Maremma are in an excellent position for both trips to the sea, to Follonica, Castiglione della Pescaia and Punta Ala, or to famous Tuscan art centres such as Siena, Pisa, Massa Marittima, Volterra and San Gimignano.
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Sorano - RIF. S160
These beautiful rental apartments in Tuscany are located in the ancient medieval hill town of Sorano, in Upper Maremma, right in the Archaeological Tuff Park. The accommodations are 24 self catering apartments, recently built and comfortably and elegantly furnished, in two terraced houses, each with an independent entrance. The ground floor apartments have a private garden, while the ones on the first floor have a terrace with a panoramic view. Each holiday accommodation has a living room with divan bed, fully equipped kitchenette with dishwasher, bathroom with shower and double bedroom. The flats have Sat-TV, telephone, internet and heat pumps. Access to the accommodations by keycard.
The residence is surrounded by 2 hectares of park covered in oak groves. Guests have access to a well-being centre, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi, massage parlour with chromotherapy, a swimming pool (20x8m) and children play area, an inn with a view on the park, a typical tuff cellar and an attended car park for 80 cars. Pets welcome.
These holiday apartments in Maremma are in a wonderful location near the spas of Saturnia and at only 9 km from the stunning tuff town of Pitigliano, as well as near to Mount Amiata, Bolsena Lake and the Argentario coast. Maremma offers its guests an unblemished nature, suggestive villages and ancient history, as well as a wine tradition going back to the Etruscan period and an forgettable culinary tradition.
Book prior 15 March and get 15% off.
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